A large digital billboard on northbound U.S. 131 near 76th Street SW showed an image of Meijer with the words “You will be missed,” with his date of birth and death underneath.

At Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park on the East Beltline Avenue NE, people placed flowers at the base of a Marshall Fredericks sculpture this morning. Marshall Fredericks was one of Meijer’s favorite artists and he collected many of his works.

“The governor has always been impressed and respected Mr. Meijer and his entrepreneurial spirit and all he has done from the business and philanthropy perspective. What an amazing Michigander Fred Meijer was. He will be missed. His legacy will certainly live on with his family and the amazing work he has done.”
— Geralyn Lasher, communications director for Gov. Rick Snyder

“Fred Meijer was a genuine Grand Rapidian, a man who loved this city as few others have. His passing leaves a void that is only eclipsed by the enormous contribution he made during his life. I will personally miss his warm good humor and his passion for the city he loved.”
— George Heartwell, Grand Rapids mayor, who who sent an email while on a bullet train between Paris and Dusseldorf on Saturday morning.

“Mr. Meijer’s generosity, from the beginning of Grand Valley’s history, has been critical to our success and has helped make us the university that we are today.”
— Thomas Haas, Grand Valley State University president

“He steadfastly believed that West Michigan should have world-class health care.”
— from statement issued by Spectrum Health, one of the many benefactors of Fred Meijer’s financial generosity

“Our community was very fortunate to have Fred Meijer as a successful man of business, generosity and character. I cherish his friendship, humor and inspiration as an entrepreneur and community leader.”
— Rich DeVos, Amway co-founder

“As a Michigan family-owned retail business, we paid close attention throughout the years to his business growth and his role in the community.”
— Art Van Elslander, founder and chairman of Art Van Furniture